Students in English are part of a dynamic field—readily incorporating new genres and approaches from other disciplines. English at New College includes the “great books,” but also works that are popular or experimental—even some you might not immediately recognize as “literature” at all.

Looking for intellectual challenge? Study the musicality of contemporary and experimental poetry by Charles Bernstein or Cole Swensen, then dig deep into the intertextual connections between the novels of William Faulkner and Toni Morrison. Learn that drama goes beyond Shakespeare to include early Morality Plays with characters like Virtue and Justice, bloodthirsty revenge tragedies, and contemporary works like those of Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks. Then there’s postcolonial literature from the widespread anglophone world, life-writing, travel narrative, personal essay, creative non-fiction, and even film and digital writing to study.

English graduates from New College have become teachers at K-12 institutions, as well as colleges and universities. They often enter law school or library/media sciences and go on to work as lawyers or as librarians in public and specialist collections. Many have become published writers of poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, or trade publications. Website design, account management, publicist for all kinds of companies—you name it, they’ve done it using their persuasive speaking and writing skills, ability to evaluate a situation, and inventive approach to problem solving.

If you are a currently enrolled student considering an English AOC, please see the requirements and expectations and then contact one of the faculty members in the department to discuss your interest. He or she will be able to assist you with planning and with instructions for downloading and completing the AOC Worksheet.

Important note: please do not complete the AOC Worksheet before consulting with a faculty member within the English department!

Brilliantly [U]nique. [U]niquely Brilliant.

As part of the State University System of Florida, New College of Florida is one of the few public liberal arts and sciences honors colleges in the United States. We’re known for our record number of Fulbright Scholars (more per capita than Harvard, Stanford or Yale) and for the high rate of our students going on to graduate school. We offer an individualized, thought-provoking and challenging academic experience. What does that mean? Hands-on research conducted side by side with your professors. Small, intimate classes. Detailed narrative evaluations from your professors. Independent study required to graduate. All in a stunning location right on the water in Sarasota, Florida.